Liebert GXT4 and GXT5 battery replacement: kits, alarms and steps

Replacing the battery in a Liebert GXT4 or GXT5 means swapping its internal battery pack for the kit Vertiv lists for that model, of the same type. The pack is hot-swappable, but not while the UPS is in Battery Mode. On a GXT5, select Replace Battery in the Battery settings afterward to activate the new pack.

This page covers the 120 V GXT4 (500 to 3000 VA) and the GXT5 120 V and 120/208 V models, from Vertiv’s installer and user guides and the GXT5 firmware release notes, for the lead-acid (VRLA) models. Other voltages are covered in their own Vertiv guides.

Which battery kit fits which model

Vertiv’s rule is short: when changing batteries, install the same number and the same type of batteries. Each guide warns that a battery can explode if it is replaced by an incorrect type, and tells you to compare the new pack with the old one before you install it; if they differ, stop and contact Vertiv technical support.

Signs the GXT battery is due

• GXT4, audible alarm: the battery replacement condition sounds as a 2-second beep every 2 minutes.
• GXT4, failed battery test: if the test shows FAILED, Vertiv says to let the UPS recharge the batteries for 24 hours, retest, and contact Vertiv if it still fails. The automatic battery test runs every 8 weeks by default (8, 12, 16, 20 or 26 weeks).
• GXT5, Battery Age tab: under About, the UPS plots the battery state of health (SOH) once a week and shows a recommended replacement date, 5 years from the time the battery was installed.
• GXT5 120/208 V, Battery Aged alarm: the SOH percentage falls with use and time until the Battery Aged alarm is generated at 25%; Vertiv recommends replacing the battery at or before that point.
• GXT5, Battery test fail: the remaining energy at the end of a periodic or manual self-test was lower than acceptable.

The GXT5 battery settings from the firmware notes

Vertiv’s GXT5 firmware release notes add two settings that matter for battery planning:

• Replace Battery Soon: added in firmware V200 (November 15, 2021). It is a user-configurable alarm that can warn 2, 3 or 4 months before the time the UPS calculates a new battery will be needed, so the replacement can be ordered in advance.
• Battery Last Replaced: V180 (May 30, 2020) renamed the setting [Battery Replacement Time] to [Battery Last Replaced] and changed its default from 2017-12-14 to the date of production.

A reminder setting (Batt. note duration on the 120 V GXT5, Battery remainder on the 120/208 V GXT5) raises an alarm 1 to 72 months after the batteries are replaced; it is disabled by default. The firmware page also notes that a unit several releases behind only needs the latest one.

Steps, in outline

Vertiv says a trained user can replace the internal battery pack when the UPS is in a restricted access location, such as a rack or server closet. The outline below follows the GXT5 guide; read the full procedure and safety cautions in the guide for your model first.

1. Open the front panel, then remove the screw from the battery door and set the door aside.
2. Pull the battery pack out by its handle.
3. Compare the new and old packs: same type and model. If they differ, stop.
4. Push the new pack in until the battery door fits flush, then refit the door and the front cover.
5. In Settings, check the date and time on the Monitoring tab, then select Replace Battery on the Battery tab to activate the new pack.

On the GXT4, remove the front bezel and the screwed battery door; after pulling the battery wire out, disconnect the battery plug from its receptacle before removing the pack, and reconnect it before closing up. The GXT4 guide has no Replace Battery menu step. On both, the pack is hot-swappable, but Vertiv warns that the load is unprotected from disturbances and power outages during the swap, and that replacing the battery while the UPS is in Battery Mode drops the connected load.

Safety and disposal

• Remove watches, rings and other metal objects; use tools with insulated handles; wear rubber gloves and boots.
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of batteries.
• Do not burn, open or damage batteries: the electrolyte is toxic and harmful to skin and eyes.
• If a battery kit is damaged or leaking, contact Vertiv before going further.
• Handle, transport and recycle batteries in accordance with local regulations.
• On a GXT5 with external battery cabinets (EBC), turn off the cabinet breaker before disconnecting its cable. On the 120 V GXT5, Vertiv says the batteries inside an EBC are not user replaceable: the whole cabinet is replaced.

For a unit in storage, Vertiv recommends connecting it to input power for at least 24 hours every 4 to 6 months so the batteries stay fully charged.

When to call a technician

• The new pack does not match the old one in type or model.
• The battery test still fails after 24 hours of charging (GXT4).
• The UPS is not in a restricted access location, or nobody on site is trained to do the swap.
• The kit is damaged or leaking.

We replace Liebert GXT batteries across Canada: see battery replacement and our Liebert GXT page, or contact us at 438-800-0382. Liebert GXT5 replacement battery sets are listed by UPS model. Vertiv recommends checking UPS operation every 6 months; battery checks fit into a Vertiv and Liebert UPS maintenance visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace a Liebert GXT5 battery without turning off the UPS?

Yes. Vertiv describes the internal battery pack as hot-swappable, but the load is unprotected during the swap, and you must not replace it while the UPS is in Battery Mode.

Which battery kit does a Liebert GXT5-1500LVRT2UXL use?

One GXT5-48VBATKIT, per Vertiv’s GXT5 120 V guide. The GXT5-3000LVRT2UXL takes one GXT5-72VBATKIT.

What does Replace Battery Soon mean on a GXT5?

It is a user-configurable alarm added in firmware V200 that warns 2, 3 or 4 months before the UPS calculates a new battery will be needed.

Do I have to reset anything after replacing a GXT5 battery?

Yes. Check the date and time, then select Replace Battery on the Battery tab. Vertiv says this activates the new packs and resets the battery statistics.

How often does a GXT4 beep when the battery needs replacing?

Vertiv’s GXT4 120 V guide lists a 2-second beep every 2 minutes for the battery replacement condition.

Sources

1. Vertiv, Liebert GXT4 UPS Installer/User Guide, 120 V, 500 VA to 3000 VA (SL-23199). Maintenance, audible alarms.
2. Vertiv, Liebert GXT5 UPS Installer/User Guide, 120 V input, 120 V output (SL-70525). Replacing batteries, About screen.
3. Vertiv, Liebert GXT5 UPS Installer/User Guide, 120-208 V (SL-70524). Safety, settings, replacing batteries.
4. Vertiv, Liebert GXT5 UPS firmware downloads and release notes.